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COVID-19 Resources

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  • COVID-19 vaccine and children

    Article

    COVID-19 vaccine and children

    The COVID-19 vaccine is now authorized for use in children ages 6 months and older. While many parents are excited that their child can get vaccinated, they may also have questions or feel uncertain about getting their child vaccinated.

  • COVID-19 vaccine FAQs

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    COVID-19 vaccine FAQs

    Since COVID-19 vaccines became available, hundreds of millions of people in the U.S. have gotten vaccinated. But there are still many questions about the vaccines, such as how do they work, are they safe and who should get vaccinated.

  • COVID-19: When to take your child to the ER

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    COVID-19: When to take your child to the ER

    Due to the highly contagious Omicron variant, there has been a surge in positive COVID‑19 cases across the country. This increased spread of COVID‑19 has affected children as well as emergency rooms.

  • COVID-19 and your child's mental health

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    COVID-19 and your child's mental health

    The COVID-19 pandemic has been challenging for everyone, including kids and teens. Disruptions to routines, changes at school, and isolation from friends and family can take a toll on kids' mental health. Add in the health challenges and other uncertainties that many families face, and it's easy to understand why children may be feeling overwhelmed.

  • Is it allergies or COVID-19?

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    Is it allergies or COVID-19?

    More than 6 million children in the U.S. are affected by seasonal allergies or hay fever, and allergy symptoms can spike when pollen counts are high. But during the pandemic, how can parents tell if their child's sniffle or sore throat is simply pollen-related or if it could be a sign of COVID-19?

  • What to do if your child is exposed to COVID-19

    Article

    What to do if your child is exposed to COVID-19

    As COVID‑19 continues to spread, it's important to take precautions to reduce your family's risk of infection. The best way to keep your family safe is by taking preventive measures such as getting the COVID-19 vaccine if eligible, wearing a mask (if over age 2) and regularly washing hands.

  • The importance of hand washing for kids

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    The importance of hand washing for kids

    Cleaning your hands – either with soap and water or by using hand sanitizer – may seem like a small action, but it’s one that can have a significant impact on your health.

  • What's next for the COVID-19 pandemic?

    Article

    What's next for the COVID-19 pandemic?

    Year three of the pandemic started with a sudden spike in COVID-19, as the Omicron variant spread quickly through adults and kids. Fortunately, cases have decreased from the Omicron surge. You might be wondering: What happens next? Will there be another variant? Will COVID-19 ever end?

  • 5 tips to prevent maskne

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    5 tips to prevent maskne

    Wearing a face mask is vital to prevent the spread of COVID-19, but the practice may cause acne for some. Many teens and young adults find that masks make their acne worse – or even give them acne for the first time. This mask-related acne, called "maskne," can make wearing a mask uncomfortable and irritating.

  • Who can get the COVID-19 booster shot?

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    Who can get the COVID-19 booster shot?

    COVID-19 vaccines are a safe and effective way to prevent serious illness from COVID‑19. Because protection from your original COVID‑19 vaccine can decrease over time, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends booster shots for eligible individuals.

  • How to help kids with autism cope with COVID-19

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    How to help kids with autism cope with COVID-19

    The uncertainty we’re experiencing during the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) can be overwhelming for all children, but this time can be particularly challenging for children with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

  • Holidays and COVID-19: 6 tips to stay healthy

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    Holidays and COVID-19: 6 tips to stay healthy

    After a challenging year, many people are excited to celebrate the holiday season with friends and family. However, COVID-19 is still spreading, and it's important to continue to take precautions to stay healthy.

  • If you get COVID-19, can you get it again?

    Article

    If you get COVID-19, can you get it again?

    As Omicron swept across the country in early 2022, someone you know – or maybe even yourself or a family member – likely became infected with COVID-19. The highly contagious variant caused record numbers of COVID-19 cases, including in children. This leaves many parents wondering if they or their child got COVID-19, are they safe from getting it again?

  • Indoor and at-home exercises for kids

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    Indoor and at-home exercises for kids

    Regular physical activity is an important part of overall health, especially for growing children. Being active not only improves a child's physical health, it also offers cognitive and emotional benefits such as improving attention span and mental well-being.

  • COVID-19 mask recommendations: What parents should know

    Article

    COVID-19 mask recommendations: What parents should know

    During the COVID‑19 pandemic, face masks have played an important role in preventing illness. Wearing a well-fitted mask over your nose and mouth is a simple and effective way to reduce the spread of the virus from person to person.

  • Understanding COVID-19 testing for children

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    Understanding COVID-19 testing for children

    As COVID-19 continues to spread and children have risk of exposure, it’s important to understand when and where you can get your child tested. Jeffrey Kahn, M.D., Director of Infectious Disease at Children's Health℠ and Professor at UT Southwestern, shares more information about different types of COVID-19 tests, if they are accurate, tips to prepare your child and more.

  • COVID-19 and diabetes in children

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    COVID-19 and diabetes in children

    The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released a report indicating that children may be at an increased risk for developing diabetes after COVID-19 infection. As more children get COVID-19, parents may be concerned about these recent headlines and potential long-term health effects.

  • What are monoclonal antibodies?

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    What are monoclonal antibodies?

    Though we have learned how to prevent the spread of COVID‑19 by wearing a mask, physical distancing and getting vaccinated, physicians and researchers are continuing to uncover the best ways to treat this disease.

  • COVID-19 vaccine for ages 5-11: FAQs for parents

    Article

    COVID-19 vaccine for ages 5-11: FAQs for parents

    On October 29, 2021, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authorized use of the COVID‑19 vaccine in children ages 5-11. On June 17, 2022, the COVID-19 vaccine was also authorized for children under 5.

  • 6 things parents should know about the Omicron variant

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    6 things parents should know about the Omicron variant

    The Omicron variant is now the most widespread COVID-19 variant in the U.S. The highly transmissible variant is causing a surge in cases. For many parents, it’s also causing renewed concern about their child’s health.

  • How to talk to someone who is vaccine hesitant

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    How to talk to someone who is vaccine hesitant

    The COVID-19 vaccine is the best protection against serious COVID-19 illness and has played a critical role in reducing the spread of COVID-19. While more than 250 million people in the United States have safely gotten the vaccine, many still feel hesitant about getting the vaccine for themselves or their children.

  • Does the COVID-19 vaccine cause infertility?

    Article

    Does the COVID-19 vaccine cause infertility?

    As more people get vaccinated, many are hopeful and excited that we’re getting closer to ending the pandemic. However, as you consider the COVID-19 vaccine either for yourself or for your child, you may also have some concerns. There is a lot of misinformation out there – including the myth that the COVID-19 vaccine can cause infertility.

  • 8 tips to keep students healthy during COVID-19

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    8 tips to keep students healthy during COVID-19

    As kids head back to school, there's likely a lot of excitement for seeing friends and having a more "normal" school year than last. However, there may also be some concern about how to keep students safe. COVID-19 is still spreading – and other common germs, viruses and infections are still easily shared among students.

  • Do face masks prevent COVID-19?

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    Do face masks prevent COVID-19?

    One way to help prevent the spread of COVID‑19 is to wear a mask over your nose and mouth. Learn how masks can help prevent the spread of COVID‑19 and see more ways to keep your family safe.

  • Managing asthma during COVID-19

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    Managing asthma during COVID-19

    Asthma is one of the most common chronic childhood conditions. It affects the airways and breathing, which can make a respiratory infection like COVID-19 feel especially concerning. Thankfully, there are ways to keep asthma under control and to help prevent infection from COVID-19.

  • How to travel safely during COVID-19

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    How to travel safely during COVID-19

    For many families, vacations are a time to see relatives, relax and spend time together. When COVID‑19 first began to spread, many people canceled their existing travel plans. But as more people become vaccinated, travel is on the rise again.

  • Halloween during COVID-19: Trick-or-treat fun and safety

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    Halloween during COVID-19: Trick-or-treat fun and safety

    In 2020, many Halloween activities were canceled due to COVID-19. This year – thanks to the availability of the COVID-19 vaccine for anyone over 12 – many communities are hosting their annual pumpkin walks, fall festivals, trunk-or-treat parties and trick-or-treating events.

  • What is coronavirus?

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    What is coronavirus?

    Coronaviruses (CoV) are a family of viruses that can infect both humans and animals. There are several types of coronaviruses that can infect humans. Some coronaviruses are common and cause mild cold-like symptoms, such as a runny nose, headache and cough. Other types of coronaviruses, such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS)-CoV and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS)-CoV, have caused more severe illnesses when outbreaks occurred.

  • Healthy New Year's resolutions during COVID-19

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    Healthy New Year's resolutions during COVID-19

    There is no doubt that 2020 was a difficult year. When 2021 arrived, along with COVID-19 vaccines, everyone was hopeful that the year would be better. However, this past year remained challenging for many people – especially parents.

  • 6 tips for social distancing with kids

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    6 tips for social distancing with kids

    For families around the world, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is affecting day-to-day lives in unprecedented ways. In addition to taking simple precautions such as regularly cleaning hands, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has recommended that families put distance between themselves and others to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. In response, many events, businesses and schools are temporarily closing.

  • Returning to play after having COVID-19

    Article

    Returning to play after having COVID-19

    Sports have looked quite different during the COVID‑19 pandemic. As the virus continues to spread, one question might be unclear if an athlete receives a COVID‑19 diagnosis: When can they return to play safely?

  • What to know about COVID-19 variants

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    What to know about COVID-19 variants

    Reports about new strains of the virus that causes COVID‑19 may have you worried or asking questions. What do these variants mean for the pandemic? Are they more dangerous? How can I keep my family healthy?

  • Breakthrough COVID-19 cases: What parents should know

    Article

    Breakthrough COVID-19 cases: What parents should know

    COVID‑19 vaccines sent a collective sigh of relief across the country. Even if you have children too young for the vaccine, you likely felt safer about returning to some level of normal activity and life after you got vaccinated. But a new surge of COVID‑19 infections due to the Delta variant has resulted in some fully vaccinated people testing positive for COVID‑19 (called a "breakthrough" infection). That wave of new infections has also left many parents wondering how to keep their children safe.

  • 5 FAQs about the COVID-19 Mu variant

    Article

    5 FAQs about the COVID-19 Mu variant

    You may have heard about the COVID-19 Mu variant after cases were reported across the U.S., including in North Texas. Variants are versions of a virus that have changed as the virus spreads. Mu is one version of the COVID-19 virus that the World Health Organization (WHO) is monitoring as a "variant of interest."

  • Can the COVID-19 vaccine cause heart problems?

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    Can the COVID-19 vaccine cause heart problems?

    You may have heard about rare COVID-19 vaccine side effects called myocarditis and pericarditis, or heart inflammation. As a parent, it's understandable to have some questions and concerns about this news. You may even wonder if you should delay your child's COVID-19 vaccine.

  • Back-to-school anxiety during COVID-19

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    Back-to-school anxiety during COVID-19

    Going back to school can bring excitement for some kids, and for others, some anticipation and worry. Young children can get nervous about leaving their parents. Older children may feel anxious about academics or how they'll fit in with their friends.

  • 5 ways to motivate teens to mask up

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    5 ways to motivate teens to mask up

    With the Delta variant increasing COVID-19 cases across the country, face masks are still a part of our everyday lives. Wearing one is a simple and effective way to reduce the spread of the virus and keep our communities healthy.

  • The dangers of vaping during COVID-19

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    The dangers of vaping during COVID-19

    The use of e-cigarettes among teens has become a widespread health concern. Around 1 in 5 high school students report vaping, which has been associated with increased risk for infections, breathing problems in teens with asthma and chronic bronchitis.

  • What parents should know about the Delta variant

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    What parents should know about the Delta variant

    As viruses spread, they constantly change. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, new variants of the SARS-CoV-2 virus have emerged and spread around the world. Recently, you may have heard a lot about the "Delta" variant, which is now the dominant strain in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

  • How athletes can safely return to sports after social distancing

    Article

    How athletes can safely return to sports after social distancing

    Whenever an athlete takes extended time away from training and play, such as during recovery from a sports injury, it’s important to take steps to safely return to play. Athletes of all ages recently faced a unique situation when spring sports seasons were cut short due to social distancing measures to prevent the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

  • 8 tips for parents to manage screen time during COVID-19

    Article

    8 tips for parents to manage screen time during COVID-19

    Ever try to make a work call with children underfoot? No doubt, this has been a common experience as families stay home to prevent the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Many parents have had their hands full as they try to work, manage household chores and perform the job of homeschool teacher.

  • 5 ways coronavirus can affect children

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    5 ways coronavirus can affect children

    As coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has emerged – and with it, many questions and fears – one comfort for many parents has been that so far, children do not appear to be at higher risk for COVID-19 than adults. There has been more focus on people ages 65 and older, as early data suggests that they are at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19.

  • 6 tips for healthy eating at home

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    6 tips for healthy eating at home

    Most of the time, eating at home makes it easier to choose healthy options than eating out. However, if you are home all day without a regular schedule, you may find it hard to resist frequent, unhealthy snacks and more difficult to take time out for a nutritious meal.

  • Should I let my child have a playdate during COVID-19?

    Article

    Should I let my child have a playdate during COVID-19?

    As summer begins and many states relax social distancing guidelines, you may be wondering if you can start setting up playdates for your children again. They may be wondering, too, and asking when they can see their friends.

  • 7 tips to help your child wear a face mask

    Article

    7 tips to help your child wear a face mask

    As COVID-19 continues to spread, it's important to take steps to keep your family healthy. Wearing a face mask is one way to prevent getting and spreading COVID-19.

  • 6 summer safety tips for teens during the coronavirus pandemic

    Article

    6 summer safety tips for teens during the coronavirus pandemic

    Summer is typically a time of fun and relaxation for children and teens – offering a break from school and long days filled with swimming, cookouts, travel and time with friends. This summer, however, poses unique challenges and risks as cases of COVID-19 continue to spread and many families wonder how to navigate summer plans during a pandemic.

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